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2013 Squier VM Jazz - No longer SD pickups

#21
I actually think the necks are improvement and like the gloss.

If you like how it plays then I say keep it and just change the pickups.

I just tried a real nice on and had to pick it up because of how cheap it was and yet it played fantastic.

I'm putting some Norstrand NJ4s 70s wind in that puppy, with an Audere Pre and schaller bridge.
 
#22
Well, the SD/DDs do seem brighter, but when I compare my VM70s jazz to my Fender jazz with SJB3s in it, there's more output and more harmonic content in the Fender than the stock VM Squier. At the same time, it sounds really great and rich with tape wounds on it, so I won't be upgrading the pickups there anytime soon. I may, however, upgrade my daughter's Bronco with some SD hardware. She's upgraded to my VM70, so this bass doesn't get much love anymore.
 
#23
The more I play this 2013, the more I wonder what is up with it....it is very muffled sounding. I can get model J's for 99$ new and PianosNStuff will put them in for 50. Is it that hard to put the p'ups in myself? I could get a 40w iron from Radio Shack and do it myself.
 
#24
If you don't know how to solder or modify the pickup cavity (there are size differences mostly in the bridge pickups between MIA, MIM, MIJ, and Squier), then yes, it can be difficult to install pickups. If you're willing to explore, investigate and learn, however, it can be a good learning experience. My suggestion is, while you're in the pickup cavity, pick up some copper foil from StewMac and shield it as well.
 
#25
twc1313 said:
I can get model J's for 99$ new and PianosNStuff will put them in for 50. Is it that hard to put the p'ups in myself? I could get a 40w iron from Radio Shack and do it myself.
Click to expand...

A few suggestions.

First, check the TB classifieds. Great pickups show up there quite often at prices much lower than retail. Second, measure the stock pickups yourself. SD has detailed diagrams of all their pickups on their website. If the sizes of the SD's and your stock pickups are the same then I'd give it a go doing the work yourself.

If the size is right, then it's just going to be four solder points and a couple of screws. Something every bassist should learn to do at some point anyway.
 
#27
look on the classifieds here on TB,there is always someone selling the Duncan Desighn Pups they pulled out of their VMs to put other ones in,since you like the sound of the VMs that had them try to find the same ones.ther usually pretty cheap too,they just want to get rid of them,I have 3 VMs and they all have the Duncan Desighn pups,no plans on changing them either...;)
 

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